Bill setting new rules for teen nights heads to Christie's desk

Governor Christie was sent a bill regulating teen social nights at bars and other adult-oriented businesses after the Assembly approved the measure Monday.

The bill would require businesses hosting teen nights to hire police officers for security, limit the age groups that may attend and forbid registered sex offenders from working the social events.

“Teen nights can be great social experiences for young people in our communities as long as there are proper provisions in place to ensure their safety,” said Assemblyman Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, in a statement. “Our legislation sets those standards for staff and security in an establishment such as a nightclub.”

The bill had already passed the Senate before being approved by the Assembly 53-21.

Under the bill, every employee of a business hosting a teen night would be required to undergo a background check.